BIO | kawikakahiapo.net

BIOGraphy

At the age of 17, Kawika entered the professional music scene, joining Chucky Boy Chock and O`ahu Brand, then soon thereafter found himself on stage as a member of  Palani Vaughan's Kings Own. He married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Yano, and they have been blessed with five children and five grandchildren.

Over the years, Kawika has contributed his musical talent to some 130+ recording projects and has collaborated or performed with artists such as Kulāiwi, Kaukahi, Palani Vaughan, Melveen Leed, Jack Johnson, Brother Noland, Leon and Malia, Kawehi Lindsey, Jesse Rivera, Kapena, Pierre Grill, Na Leo Pilimehana, Kelly Boy Delima, Del Beazley,  Native Hawaiian Band ,Cyri Pahinui, Amy Gilliom, Dennis Kamakahi, Daniel Ho, Paula Fuga, Martin Pahinui, Rene Paulo, and many others. 

Kawika's first solo recording project, "ALANA", emerged in 1996 and continues to captivate many with it's soothing combination of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian tunes, along with ki ho`alu. Through the years, hula halau have been dancing to the music on this recording, as well as his second solo release, "ONE HEART/ONE VOICE", which was released in 2000. Both projects share his mana`o (thoughts) in Kawika's unique way.  Kawika was then a member of  "Kaukahi", who received three awards at the prestigious 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They were awarded Group of the Year, Song of the Year for Kawika's "Life in These Islands",  and Kawika's son, Dalen Kahiapo, and Todd Schlosser of Worldsound, were presented the Award for CD graphics!  Kawika was also been honored to be featured on Grammy Award Winning CD, "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key."  

He also was awarded with two more Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2015 for his all slack key, mostly instrumental CD, "Ho'omaluhia", and his "Ku'u 'Āina Aloha" CD, which features his song titled "Waimanalo." Kawika is currently performing and recording with "Kulāiwi", which also consists of Lehua Kalima (from Nā Leo), Shawn Pimental, they have been honored to receive 4 Nā Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2022. 

In 2025, Kawika earned yet another Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Anthology Album of the Year for his Ku`u Mana`o, which celebrates 29 years of music and songwriting. This anthology features music spanning back to 1996 and reflects his aloha for the islands, her people, `Ohana, and his faith.

Aloha Autism is another of Kawika's CD projects dear to his heart, as his son, Jeremiah, has autism. This CD features the talents of 14 artists, including Jack Johnson, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Jake Shimabukuro.  Proceeds from this CD and related fundraising events were donated to organizations that serve the autism community well.

Besides being a recording artist and an ordained  minister, Kawika is also on the Kokua Hawai'i   Foundation board, a non-profit organization that  supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai'i. This is one of the ways   Kawika is able to be a blessing to the community and  our 'āina. 

 Kawika serves on is the North Shore Community Land   Trust board.  Deep fulfillment comes from being a part of this organization, whose mission is to protect,  steward, and enhance the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural character of ahupua‘a from Kahuku  Point to Ka‘ena.